SPIKES Synonyms: 223 Similar and Opposite Words

spikes 1 of 2

noun

plural of spike

as in darts

Related Words

Relevance

as in jumps

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

spikes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of spike

as in stabs

to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object scorpions use their stinger-equipped tails to spike their prey

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in stimulates

to give life, vigor, or spirit to he spiked what otherwise would have been a dry economic lecture with some jokes and anecdotes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of spikes

Noun

The team identified a continuous midline feature that began as a fleshy crest along the neck and trunk and transitioned over the hips into a single row of spikes running down the tail — each spike positioned over a single vertebra and fitted to each other. — Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025

Verb

While the core plasma reaches hundreds of millions of degrees, the components surrounding the chamber must endure sudden, extreme heat spikes similar to spacecraft entering Earth’s atmosphere. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026 The Hormuz crisis has so far led to only modest oil price spikes thanks to an unusual combination of favorable market conditions and years of investment in energy security measures. — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026 Why short goodbyes work better than long ones Drop-off is where anxiety spikes the fastest. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 10 Aug. 2026 But with oil inventories dwindling to critically low levels, a looming supply crunch that spikes energy prices again could also test Trump’s patience. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026 Delphiniums Delphiniums offer structure and height to the garden with their tall, slim flower spikes in shades of blue, purple, and white. — The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026 Stressful morning habits, like rushing or checking emails, can trigger a stress response that spikes blood pressure. — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 21 July 2026 In reality, when our core temperature rises, cortisol spikes. — Nicole F. Roberts, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 On extreme heat days above 90°F, that risk spikes by nearly 10%. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spikes

Noun

That show sees world champion darts player Luke Littler take on 20 members of the public in single games of 501 to win £501,000 ($680,000).

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Some of our favorite barrel leg pants actually accentuate the balloon silhouette or taper of the leg by adding darts, extra side panels, pleats, patches, or other elements that highlight the aesthetic element.

— Lucía Tejo, Glamour, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of darts

Noun

Defensively, Bett anchors the interior line, while sophomores Joseph Mbatchou and Jeremiah McCloud look poised for second-year jumps after promising freshman seasons.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Additionally, using higher-frequency ultraviolet light, scientists are able to create larger energy jumps and measure them more frequently, allowing time tracking in much finer increments, thereby increasing precision.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of jumps

Verb

But before Bane can finish him off, Batman stabs a Batarang into a little knob on Bane’s wrist gauntlet, the one that controls his intake of Venom.

— Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
When Little Death stabs into their victim, there’s a geyser of blood, way more than could fit inside a human body.

— Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of stabs

Verb

Stronger trade winds help to move warm surface water away from the South American coast, which stimulates upwelling—that is, the movement of cold, dense, and nutrient-rich deep ocean water toward the surface.

— John P. Rafferty, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026
That extra load stimulates bones to grow denser and challenges muscles to adapt.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of stimulates

Noun

Protective, almost — which makes sense, as its stunning chandeliers are designed to look like the shields and spears of African Masai warriors.

— Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
The kitchen’s electrical oven roasts them during the daytime; they’re then chilled and served cold, with hot sauce, a ramekin of mayonnaise, and a pile of pickle spears.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of spears

Noun

Summary Solid gold jewelry is experiencing a significant resurgence, driven by independent brands offering personalized, custom pieces that feel like extensions of the wearer.

— Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
The initial contract was three years plus two, meaning there could be two extensions.

— Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of extensions

Verb

That’s because when a snake bites and punctures the skin and transfers venom into the victim’s body, the venom attacks the skin, soft tissue and connective tissue beneath it.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
If a foreign object punctures the tread or sidewall, your tire can deflate slowly or quickly, depending on the puncture.

— Jason Fogelson, AJC.com, 29 May 2026

Definition of punctures

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spikelike

spikes

spiking

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Style

“Spikes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spikes. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of spikes

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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